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Heather “Feather” Paulsen

Heather got interested in sewing in high school, but says she didn’t know what she was doing. She studied clothing construction in college while working at a tailor shop, and she combines the two different perspectives while she sews. Heather loves sewing for her son, her husband, and herself.

Meet Heather

Pellon: Where do you find inspiration for your work?Heather: I find inspiration everywhere, but most comes from Pinterest, re-using old clothing, and beautiful fabric. When I make things for my son, it’s because I don’t like the style of clothing I can afford.

P: What does your creative process entail?H: I either start with old clothing I want to re-use, so I figure out how to keep certain details to make it fit; or I have an end design in mind and make a pattern that will work.

P: Why do you enjoy sewing?H: I enjoy sewing because it’s something challenging I can look forward to in the great, but mundane life as a wife and mother.

P: Do you create mainly for satisfaction, gifts, are, or another reason?H: I create to save money, the satisfaction of the create process, and the satisfaction of finishing something.

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?H: If it looks good on the outside, who cares what it looks like on the inside. Only you will see that part. If you’re afraid to make mistakes, you’ll never learn.

P: When and why did you start sewing?H: I started sewing in high school, because I wanted to be“different.” I really enjoyed making things my own, even though I didn’t like people asking me if I made something. As I got older, I realized that sewing was the only thing I was interested in enough to study full-time.

P: What inspires you to start a project?H: Sometimes it’s using up fabric I have, but usually I have projects filed away in my head that I have either seen someone wearing or have seen on Pinterest. I am also very practical, so I usually make clothing for my family instead of buying it.